British Airways to allow passengers to use their phones moments after the plane has landed

We’ve already told you that FAA is looking into proposals to allow passengers to use their tablets and e-readers at all times during the flight. While we’re still not sure when such practice will become common among airlines, we are glad to learn that British Airways has started doing something to make life easier for mobile phone users.

Starting July 1st, BA passengers will be allowed to check emails, make phone calls, send and receive texts, or switch on other gadgets, immediately after the aircraft has left the runway. However, on departing flights, customers will still be required to turn off devices when the aircraft leaves the gate.

The move comes after the airline demonstrated to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) that this practice can’t harm the aircraft instruments in any way.

Here’s what Ian Pringle, British Airways’ flight training manager, had to say on this: “Customers will no longer have the frustration of having to wait until their plane has arrived at the terminal building before being able to use their mobile phones and other handheld electronic devices. Now they’ll have that extra time to phone ahead for that important business meeting, check their emails, or make sure someone is there to meet them at the airport.”

We applaud BA for taking this route and are hoping that other airlines will follow shortly with similar initiatives.